Missed a couple of days of updates.
Last week Friday got nearly another hour in, from the house headed West to Nose Hill Park and got on the bike path, followed the bike path North to the Sun building and then across Deerfoot trail and then on the bike path again south past the deerfoot side of Fox Hollow Golf course, across the train tracks and then North again to the Fox Hollow Club House at 32nd Ave. and then back. Wasn't really feeling all that great but managed to do 10R, 1W, 10R, 1W, 5R, 5W, 10R, 1W, 5R, 5W, 10R (R=Run, W=Walk) to finish up back at the house. No idea about distance but heart rate was manageable. The trip out was not too bad all downhill but the trip back of course in all uphill. Arrrghhh.
On Sunday met with Chad again for a work out. I am really loving the new gym and the new work outs. Keeps Chad on his toes coming up with new ways to beat the *(&(*^ V out of me without machines and keeping the heart rate up as well. The travelling planks were a bitch but the variety and pace are exciting. Funny that I arrived early and Chad arrived on time, saw the car but couldn't find me as I decided to spare a few minutes and get warmed up by running West from the gym to about 22nd or 24th street and back, about 10 minutes and 1 K.
Last night was very late before I got out (around 7:30PM which is late for me) and although the run felt good I just wasn't into it that late at night. Managed two trips around the neighborhood (again, I have no idea of distance but I will drive it tonight and report) in about 35 minutes. Felt really good on the run and managed 10R, 1W, 10R, 1W, 13R to finish off.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
In Training
Time to get back at the blog. I have set a couple of new goals for myself for the new year. With my brother Brent I plan on running the 1/2 BMO Vancouver Marathon on the Sunday May 2, 2010 followed by the Vulcan Tinman Triathlon on the 6th of June 2010.
Training starts in earnest first thing in the new year following one or more of the training programs set out by the Running Room and the conditioning experts associated with the BMO Vancouver. For now, my guides want me out running a couple of times each week.
The program for right now is 1 hour of training with 10/1 intervals. 10 minutes of running and 1 of resting (to clear out the lactic acid etc. etc. ???). I have been able to get three runs in over the last couple of weeks with the latest yesterday.
Yesterday I followed a path West from the house over to Deerfoot trail and got onto the bike / running path heading North which was a bit of a mess but anyways I ended up at McKnight Blvd which I then followed East to Barlow trail and then South to nearly 16th Ave and then cut over back to the house. No idea of how far this is but it took just a few minutes short of an hour.
I am finding that the first two intervals are troublesome (maybe not warmed up, maybe not in the groove, who knows), followed by the middle two intervals which don't feel all that bad and then the last two which seem to continue to be very hard work.
I find that my heart rates climbs a bit each interval to the point where the last two or three intervals are little more than a brisk walk to keep the heart rate down. It seems like each time I go out it is a wee bit easier which I guess is what it is all about.
The run was OK but there were too many cars and too many intersections. I think from our place heading West to the bike path and then straight south to the zoo will be a whole lot easier.
Till next time.
Training starts in earnest first thing in the new year following one or more of the training programs set out by the Running Room and the conditioning experts associated with the BMO Vancouver. For now, my guides want me out running a couple of times each week.
The program for right now is 1 hour of training with 10/1 intervals. 10 minutes of running and 1 of resting (to clear out the lactic acid etc. etc. ???). I have been able to get three runs in over the last couple of weeks with the latest yesterday.
Yesterday I followed a path West from the house over to Deerfoot trail and got onto the bike / running path heading North which was a bit of a mess but anyways I ended up at McKnight Blvd which I then followed East to Barlow trail and then South to nearly 16th Ave and then cut over back to the house. No idea of how far this is but it took just a few minutes short of an hour.
I am finding that the first two intervals are troublesome (maybe not warmed up, maybe not in the groove, who knows), followed by the middle two intervals which don't feel all that bad and then the last two which seem to continue to be very hard work.
I find that my heart rates climbs a bit each interval to the point where the last two or three intervals are little more than a brisk walk to keep the heart rate down. It seems like each time I go out it is a wee bit easier which I guess is what it is all about.
The run was OK but there were too many cars and too many intersections. I think from our place heading West to the bike path and then straight south to the zoo will be a whole lot easier.
Till next time.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Vigo Spain and Urban Mountaineering
Wow, here we are now in Vigo Spain. Another amazing port town. We took a walk / climb to the old castle / enforcement located at the highest point in the port (wow, pictures to follow) about 2 miles away on flat land and i am guessing here about 1000 feet higher in altitude.
We could see the enforcement from the ship but on the climb up what we thought was the highest point wasn't and there was always another set of stairs or another steep path to walk up. Once we reached the highest point we were about another 25% or 30% higher than we thought we were.
Once we did reach the top the enforcement was amazing with examples of the old jails, cannon placements and churches all within the walls of this old (17th century) port enforcement.
On our walk back down to the port we took in many of the local shopping and found some local jewellery that was very nice.
We were not about to leave without some Sangria, calamari and prawns. The calamari was OK (it was better in Funchal) but the prawns were awesome. About 4” long, pan fried in olive oil and decadant in goodness. The Sangria was awesome as well.
We came back to the ship tired and sore, calves, hams and quads all hurt.
We had a reservation at Portofinos which is the on-board exclusive italian restaurant. Our evening started off with minestrone soup, a gorgonzola cheese and pear salad which was a perfect lead in to our entree. Sherry had a skewer served with prawns, shrimp, salmon and a lobster tail with vegs and sundried tomatoe potatoes. She tells me it was awesome.
I had a filet of Halibut server with crab and shrimp risotto. Desert was a Tira Misu for me and a sampler of 4 desserts for sherry. Our dinner was accompanied by Spanish Rijoli red wine and we finished off with Royal Coffee (you know the coffee with the alcohol).
All in all it was just a fantastic day, we loved every minute of our day. Travel miles to Vigo were 700 miles for a new total of 6769 miles. Our captain told us today that we have travelled just under 5000 miles on the ship to date so I may have to update our travel distance once I check the math.
We have another day on the ship and then we arrive at our sea destination of Southamption in the UK. We will travel by train to London and then by the Eurostar train under the English Channel to Paris and then by train again to our B&B in Paris which is ½ mile from the Eiffel tower.
We will fire up an update as soon as we arrive in Paris.
We could see the enforcement from the ship but on the climb up what we thought was the highest point wasn't and there was always another set of stairs or another steep path to walk up. Once we reached the highest point we were about another 25% or 30% higher than we thought we were.
Once we did reach the top the enforcement was amazing with examples of the old jails, cannon placements and churches all within the walls of this old (17th century) port enforcement.
On our walk back down to the port we took in many of the local shopping and found some local jewellery that was very nice.
We were not about to leave without some Sangria, calamari and prawns. The calamari was OK (it was better in Funchal) but the prawns were awesome. About 4” long, pan fried in olive oil and decadant in goodness. The Sangria was awesome as well.
We came back to the ship tired and sore, calves, hams and quads all hurt.
We had a reservation at Portofinos which is the on-board exclusive italian restaurant. Our evening started off with minestrone soup, a gorgonzola cheese and pear salad which was a perfect lead in to our entree. Sherry had a skewer served with prawns, shrimp, salmon and a lobster tail with vegs and sundried tomatoe potatoes. She tells me it was awesome.
I had a filet of Halibut server with crab and shrimp risotto. Desert was a Tira Misu for me and a sampler of 4 desserts for sherry. Our dinner was accompanied by Spanish Rijoli red wine and we finished off with Royal Coffee (you know the coffee with the alcohol).
All in all it was just a fantastic day, we loved every minute of our day. Travel miles to Vigo were 700 miles for a new total of 6769 miles. Our captain told us today that we have travelled just under 5000 miles on the ship to date so I may have to update our travel distance once I check the math.
We have another day on the ship and then we arrive at our sea destination of Southamption in the UK. We will travel by train to London and then by the Eurostar train under the English Channel to Paris and then by train again to our B&B in Paris which is ½ mile from the Eiffel tower.
We will fire up an update as soon as we arrive in Paris.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Stairs and More Stairs and Funchal, Madeira
We spent the day today in the city of Funchal which is the capital city of Madeira, Portugal which is located about 300 miles of the west coast of Africa, the nearest city is Casablanca but more on this later.
First my rant about stairs. I am getting so tired of climbing stairs. Our cabin is in the middle of the ship and it is a walk the length of a football field to the forward stairs, a walk the length of a football field (about 100 meters) to the aft (back) stairs and there is ½ a football field forward of the forward stairs and ½ a football field aft of the aft stairs making this ship 3 football fields long.
Now our cabin is on deck 9, breakfast and lunch are usually on 11 but sometimes on 4, dinner is on 5 all at the back of the ship, the pool is on 11 midships, the gym is on 11 forward, the climbing wall is on 12 aft, the flowrider on 12 aft, mini golf is on 12 aft, the promenade with the shops etc is on 5 between the fore and aft stairs, the skating rink is on 2, the theatre on 3, the running rack on 12 but by now you get the drift.
There are 14 stairs between decks up to 11 and then 16 stairs for upper decks after that. I have lost track of the number of stairs up and down we have climbed since the start of this cruise.
Now that I am done with this it is a %%*I*( good thing that we have all these stairs or I would have gained a pile of weight by now.
Our trip from Porta Delgada to Funchal was 480 miles for a new total of 6169 miles.
Funcal was first settled in 1578 by the spanish and then like Porta Delgada went through a number of changes to English rule, back to Spanish, one more tour as Portugese and then through them all again until the mid 1990's when it was declared an independent state of Portugal.
We skipped by by the cabs at the dock (who wanted about 170 Euro or a tour) and walked our way to downtown (about 2 miles) where we picked up an hop on / hop off narrated tour bus where we can ride, get off to look around and then get back on again for 20 Euro total. This took us about 3 ½ hours after which we went for Lunch in downtown at a local restaurant.
We had an order of Calimari Fritta and I will likely never have the same again, this was the msot tender calimari we have ever had. We joined this with a Madeira fish dish (dont know what it was but it was a whole fish, split down the middle and grilled and then served in this case with french fries. We topped this with a fresh green salad, garlic bread and a small carafe (about 1 litre) of local Madeira red wine. In all, a lunch fit for a king a queen.
After lunch we walked up and down the streets doing a bunch of shopping and then a walk back to the boat for a dip in the pool before we departed for our next to last stop of Vigo, Spain where we dock early in the morning on Thursday.
After this we will be on our last leg and sadly this part of our journey will end on Saturday but the next phase of Paris and London begins.
It is hard to believe that 3 weeks have almost already gone by and the last week of our journey begins soon.
First my rant about stairs. I am getting so tired of climbing stairs. Our cabin is in the middle of the ship and it is a walk the length of a football field to the forward stairs, a walk the length of a football field (about 100 meters) to the aft (back) stairs and there is ½ a football field forward of the forward stairs and ½ a football field aft of the aft stairs making this ship 3 football fields long.
Now our cabin is on deck 9, breakfast and lunch are usually on 11 but sometimes on 4, dinner is on 5 all at the back of the ship, the pool is on 11 midships, the gym is on 11 forward, the climbing wall is on 12 aft, the flowrider on 12 aft, mini golf is on 12 aft, the promenade with the shops etc is on 5 between the fore and aft stairs, the skating rink is on 2, the theatre on 3, the running rack on 12 but by now you get the drift.
There are 14 stairs between decks up to 11 and then 16 stairs for upper decks after that. I have lost track of the number of stairs up and down we have climbed since the start of this cruise.
Now that I am done with this it is a %%*I*( good thing that we have all these stairs or I would have gained a pile of weight by now.
Our trip from Porta Delgada to Funchal was 480 miles for a new total of 6169 miles.
Funcal was first settled in 1578 by the spanish and then like Porta Delgada went through a number of changes to English rule, back to Spanish, one more tour as Portugese and then through them all again until the mid 1990's when it was declared an independent state of Portugal.
We skipped by by the cabs at the dock (who wanted about 170 Euro or a tour) and walked our way to downtown (about 2 miles) where we picked up an hop on / hop off narrated tour bus where we can ride, get off to look around and then get back on again for 20 Euro total. This took us about 3 ½ hours after which we went for Lunch in downtown at a local restaurant.
We had an order of Calimari Fritta and I will likely never have the same again, this was the msot tender calimari we have ever had. We joined this with a Madeira fish dish (dont know what it was but it was a whole fish, split down the middle and grilled and then served in this case with french fries. We topped this with a fresh green salad, garlic bread and a small carafe (about 1 litre) of local Madeira red wine. In all, a lunch fit for a king a queen.
After lunch we walked up and down the streets doing a bunch of shopping and then a walk back to the boat for a dip in the pool before we departed for our next to last stop of Vigo, Spain where we dock early in the morning on Thursday.
After this we will be on our last leg and sadly this part of our journey will end on Saturday but the next phase of Paris and London begins.
It is hard to believe that 3 weeks have almost already gone by and the last week of our journey begins soon.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Ponta Delgada
OK, so we have been relaxing a bit too much and have not made time to update you. First, we have arrived in the city of Ponta Delgada on the Island of San Miguel in the Azores. The Azores is an independent state or territory of Portugal.
We have missed a few days of updates so our mileage in the past two days has been 862 miles for a new total of 5689 miles.
We took a city tour this AM through the city and some visits to the parks / gardens of the city. The city was founded in the 15th century by Portugese explorers and through the years has spent some time under Engligh, Spanish and again Portugese rule.
There are 9 islands that make up the Azores territory of portugal and the capital is the city of Santa Cruz de Flores on the Island of Flores.
The architectures are magnificent and the guilding and construction of the churches is out of this world.
Like all of our stops on this trip we did not get to spend near enough time to even glimpse the city but it was a taste that I am sure we see us back before too too long.
We have 500 and some miles to travel to the city of Funchal on the Island of Madeira. Madeira is also an independent territory of Portugal. We arrive on Tuesday morning for the day and tomorrow as we travel we lose yet another hour on the clock in preparation for our arrival to GMT which is now 7 hours ahead of Calgary time.
See you in a bit.
We have missed a few days of updates so our mileage in the past two days has been 862 miles for a new total of 5689 miles.
We took a city tour this AM through the city and some visits to the parks / gardens of the city. The city was founded in the 15th century by Portugese explorers and through the years has spent some time under Engligh, Spanish and again Portugese rule.
There are 9 islands that make up the Azores territory of portugal and the capital is the city of Santa Cruz de Flores on the Island of Flores.
The architectures are magnificent and the guilding and construction of the churches is out of this world.
Like all of our stops on this trip we did not get to spend near enough time to even glimpse the city but it was a taste that I am sure we see us back before too too long.
We have 500 and some miles to travel to the city of Funchal on the Island of Madeira. Madeira is also an independent territory of Portugal. We arrive on Tuesday morning for the day and tomorrow as we travel we lose yet another hour on the clock in preparation for our arrival to GMT which is now 7 hours ahead of Calgary time.
See you in a bit.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I Think we Made a Wrong Turn Somewhere
We are into days 4 and 5 of our voyage across the Atlantic. The weather here has been fantastic the last couple of days. We have been in the middle of a large high pressure system and our temperatures have been around 85 F / 29 C and today the wind dropped off to about 10 km/h making it really seem like we made a wrong turn and headed south instead of East.
We have been adding a hour to each day so that when we hit Southampton we wont be hit with a 5 hour change right away. We are now 4 hours ahead of Calgary time and will add an hour each of Friday and Saturday so by the time we arrive at our first port of call (Ponta del Gata in the Azore) we will be 6 hours ahead of Calgary time.
Today we made our first climb on the climbing wall at the back (aft) of the ship. The climbing wall is 60 feet tall and it attached to the engine superstructure (the place where all of the exhaust from the engines comes out). Nearly made it to the top but there are still a number of days to go before the cruise is over.
Tomorrow may be flowrider day, we will have to give it a whirl.
Dinner last night was escargot, perch and crème brulet for dessert for me and tuscan white bean soup, coq-a-vin and chocolate for sherry. Tonight was a cold soup for sherry, followed by turkey and a chocolate trio for dessert. For me it was a beef and veal tortelotti, tilapia and crème brulet again (starting to really like this).
We made about 3 km on the desk today and we had to make a late night trip to the hot tub that it cantilevered or hung over the side of the boat so that when you look out over the side you see water ONLY.
I havent updated the mileage for a few days so I am adding in another 1293 miles for a new total travel distance of 4827 miles.
Two more sea days to go (this Friday and Saturday) and we dock in Ponta del Gada on Sunday morning for the day departing later that evening for Funagal (Madea) in Spain.
Updates Soon
We have been adding a hour to each day so that when we hit Southampton we wont be hit with a 5 hour change right away. We are now 4 hours ahead of Calgary time and will add an hour each of Friday and Saturday so by the time we arrive at our first port of call (Ponta del Gata in the Azore) we will be 6 hours ahead of Calgary time.
Today we made our first climb on the climbing wall at the back (aft) of the ship. The climbing wall is 60 feet tall and it attached to the engine superstructure (the place where all of the exhaust from the engines comes out). Nearly made it to the top but there are still a number of days to go before the cruise is over.
Tomorrow may be flowrider day, we will have to give it a whirl.
Dinner last night was escargot, perch and crème brulet for dessert for me and tuscan white bean soup, coq-a-vin and chocolate for sherry. Tonight was a cold soup for sherry, followed by turkey and a chocolate trio for dessert. For me it was a beef and veal tortelotti, tilapia and crème brulet again (starting to really like this).
We made about 3 km on the desk today and we had to make a late night trip to the hot tub that it cantilevered or hung over the side of the boat so that when you look out over the side you see water ONLY.
I havent updated the mileage for a few days so I am adding in another 1293 miles for a new total travel distance of 4827 miles.
Two more sea days to go (this Friday and Saturday) and we dock in Ponta del Gada on Sunday morning for the day departing later that evening for Funagal (Madea) in Spain.
Updates Soon
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
We Can't Stand the Stress
There are just too many things think about. Where do we eat? What do we do next ? Today after a late breakfast we went for a 5 km walk on deck (15 laps) and then went and did some more exploring. Found the wave rider and the climbing wall at the back of the boat and made some plans to try these both out later in the week.
Make reservations on board for a reservations only Seafood and Italian Restaurant called Porchina for later next week.
After lunch it was time for the onboard ice show held on the lower decks. This was a 45 minute show called Strings which featured a real violinist and a number of skaters. It was a great show.
After this it was to the gym for about and hour and 15 and then I dont know how to say this but it was time for dinner. Dinner tonight for both of us was a spinach salad followed by crab cakes and a broiled cod filet served with green beans and rice. We followed this with cheesecake and a coconut cake for sherry.
Tonight was the midnight buffet night where the chefs show off all of their creations and artistic ability and we have some great pictures. It was also pool party night and we danced the night away at the pool with some old time rock and roll favorites.
I think tomorrow is going to be rock climbing day. We will have to see.
We may be off line for a few days as it turns out the the middle of the Atlantic is not a high enough population center for satellite coverage and will be out of range of North American satellite's and will take us up to 36 hours to come in range of the European satellites.
Briand and Sherry
Make reservations on board for a reservations only Seafood and Italian Restaurant called Porchina for later next week.
After lunch it was time for the onboard ice show held on the lower decks. This was a 45 minute show called Strings which featured a real violinist and a number of skaters. It was a great show.
After this it was to the gym for about and hour and 15 and then I dont know how to say this but it was time for dinner. Dinner tonight for both of us was a spinach salad followed by crab cakes and a broiled cod filet served with green beans and rice. We followed this with cheesecake and a coconut cake for sherry.
Tonight was the midnight buffet night where the chefs show off all of their creations and artistic ability and we have some great pictures. It was also pool party night and we danced the night away at the pool with some old time rock and roll favorites.
I think tomorrow is going to be rock climbing day. We will have to see.
We may be off line for a few days as it turns out the the middle of the Atlantic is not a high enough population center for satellite coverage and will be out of range of North American satellite's and will take us up to 36 hours to come in range of the European satellites.
Briand and Sherry
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sailing Sailing Over the Seas we Go
Our first full day of sailing. We reached 30 degrees North Latitude early this afternoon and turned right now heading exactly due East. Our Captain tells us we are going to stay heading exactly this direction for the next 5 ½ days until we turn North again into the Azores.
A quiet day today as we catch our sea legs and spent a lot of time walking around to familiarize ourselves with the ship.
Did a quick check on our in cabin path and find that we are now at 71 degrees longitude and 30 degrees latitude heading east at 21 knots. The ocean depth where we are right now is 210,000 feet (yes that is two hundred ten thousand feet or roughly 40 miles deep which I didnt think was possible)
Awesome dinner again tonight. For me started off with a orange civeche (sp), followed by Roast Duck and Cherries Jubilee for desert. Sherry started with a shrimp cocktail, followed by roast beef and finishing off with double chocolate cheesecake.
Mileage today is going to be 1/6 of our total distance to the Azores or 431 miles for a new grand total of 3534 miles.
Cold today on the Atlantic at about 70 degrees F but with a 60 km / hour wind feels a whole lot colder.
Updates soon.
Brian and Sherry
A quiet day today as we catch our sea legs and spent a lot of time walking around to familiarize ourselves with the ship.
Did a quick check on our in cabin path and find that we are now at 71 degrees longitude and 30 degrees latitude heading east at 21 knots. The ocean depth where we are right now is 210,000 feet (yes that is two hundred ten thousand feet or roughly 40 miles deep which I didnt think was possible)
Awesome dinner again tonight. For me started off with a orange civeche (sp), followed by Roast Duck and Cherries Jubilee for desert. Sherry started with a shrimp cocktail, followed by roast beef and finishing off with double chocolate cheesecake.
Mileage today is going to be 1/6 of our total distance to the Azores or 431 miles for a new grand total of 3534 miles.
Cold today on the Atlantic at about 70 degrees F but with a 60 km / hour wind feels a whole lot colder.
Updates soon.
Brian and Sherry
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Fantabulous Extravagance
I don't know of any other way to describe today but to say it was a fantabulous experience in just about every way.
Based upon our last cruise (with another cruise line) we both expected a number of hours of waiting and standing in line and sweating to death that we brought 4 bottles of water and a bunch of food with us. Turns out the last cruise was the bad experience and this was the good one.
We caught the shuttle from the hotel at 10:30 AM and after a few stops to drop others off (there were 5 cruise ships in port today for the Norwegian line, Princess and others all off to exotic locations no doubt) we arrived at the ship. What a monster !! After dropping our bags off with the porter right at the curb we went into the terminal and were whisked through security (had to take off my belt and all, anymore and it would have been a scene), then right on to the check in where we received our most dangerous tool of all, Our Seapass and then to a waiting room for a few moments. After a huge 5 minute wait we were off to the boat and after a quick check in and picture we were here. The whole process took 15 minutes and we were pleased to say the least.
After a walk around desk to try and get our bearings we headed off for lunch in WindJammers and then soaked up some sun on deck. We got access to our cabin after 1:00 PM to drop our stuff off and then a lot more soaking of the sun.
We departed at 5:30 PM and after just a few minutes we were clear of port and headed out to see. Our course will take us NE to the 30th parallel of latitude and then due east for 6 days until we reach our first port in the Azores. Our path to the Azores is going to be 2857 miles so I will do the math tomorrow and keep up to date on the mileage log.
Dinner was in the main dining room. We were joined tonight with a couple who immigrated to Calgary in 1966 from the UK but only stayed a short time before heading back home. They flew over to Ft. Lauderdale to catch this cruise ship back home.
Dinner for me tonight was the Chef's Recommendation which was an onion tart (more like a quiche with onion), Medallions of Pork with Mushrooms and Broccoli and a Cherry Chocolate cake for dessert. Sherry had a watermelon gauchpacho, Atlantic Salmon with lentils and blueberry / peach cobbler.
Made a quick stop by the SPA and set Sherry up for a hot rock massage later in the week and also checked out the gym. This gym will rival any gym on dry land much less anything at sea. I have missed the gym a whole lot this last week, was able to get in a cardio on Saturday but really looking forward to pushing some weights tomorrow morning.
We also received a fantastic surprise and treat of a gift of flowers in our stateroom from a dear aunt. Thank you so much for thinking about us.
Lots of pictures but wont be uploading too many as my internet access here is 55 cents per minute.
Sherry and Brian
Based upon our last cruise (with another cruise line) we both expected a number of hours of waiting and standing in line and sweating to death that we brought 4 bottles of water and a bunch of food with us. Turns out the last cruise was the bad experience and this was the good one.
We caught the shuttle from the hotel at 10:30 AM and after a few stops to drop others off (there were 5 cruise ships in port today for the Norwegian line, Princess and others all off to exotic locations no doubt) we arrived at the ship. What a monster !! After dropping our bags off with the porter right at the curb we went into the terminal and were whisked through security (had to take off my belt and all, anymore and it would have been a scene), then right on to the check in where we received our most dangerous tool of all, Our Seapass and then to a waiting room for a few moments. After a huge 5 minute wait we were off to the boat and after a quick check in and picture we were here. The whole process took 15 minutes and we were pleased to say the least.
After a walk around desk to try and get our bearings we headed off for lunch in WindJammers and then soaked up some sun on deck. We got access to our cabin after 1:00 PM to drop our stuff off and then a lot more soaking of the sun.
We departed at 5:30 PM and after just a few minutes we were clear of port and headed out to see. Our course will take us NE to the 30th parallel of latitude and then due east for 6 days until we reach our first port in the Azores. Our path to the Azores is going to be 2857 miles so I will do the math tomorrow and keep up to date on the mileage log.
Dinner was in the main dining room. We were joined tonight with a couple who immigrated to Calgary in 1966 from the UK but only stayed a short time before heading back home. They flew over to Ft. Lauderdale to catch this cruise ship back home.
Dinner for me tonight was the Chef's Recommendation which was an onion tart (more like a quiche with onion), Medallions of Pork with Mushrooms and Broccoli and a Cherry Chocolate cake for dessert. Sherry had a watermelon gauchpacho, Atlantic Salmon with lentils and blueberry / peach cobbler.
Made a quick stop by the SPA and set Sherry up for a hot rock massage later in the week and also checked out the gym. This gym will rival any gym on dry land much less anything at sea. I have missed the gym a whole lot this last week, was able to get in a cardio on Saturday but really looking forward to pushing some weights tomorrow morning.
We also received a fantastic surprise and treat of a gift of flowers in our stateroom from a dear aunt. Thank you so much for thinking about us.
Lots of pictures but wont be uploading too many as my internet access here is 55 cents per minute.
Sherry and Brian
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Ahoy Maties - Ft. Lauderdale
Tomorrow we set sail. Drove further South yet again from Orlando to the Ft. Lauderdale / Miami area. Today was 86 degrees and a very humid 86 degrees it was. As soon as we walked outside or got out of the car the clothes were just dripping.
Arrived at the hotel about 3:00 and then had to immediately run to the airport to drop off the car. Anytime after 4:00 and I ran the risk of getting dinged for another day rental on a weekly rental which is not a good site.
Dropped the car off at 3:55 with 5 minutes left to spare and picked up the hotel shuttle back to the hotel.
We can see the boat from our hotel (but cant get there due to security restrictions and the like) but it looks like a monster.
Was able to get a cardio in today. Spent 1 hour on the treadmill doing intervals and then another 1/2 hour on the bike getting some leg training in. It sure felt good to sweat a little (ok, a lot in the 80+ temps) but started to feel a little bit like I should.
Added another 213 miles to the trip today on the road for a new grand total of 3103 miles.
Tomorrow you will hear from us on board the Independance of the Seas as we set sail for our first port in the Azores.
Arrived at the hotel about 3:00 and then had to immediately run to the airport to drop off the car. Anytime after 4:00 and I ran the risk of getting dinged for another day rental on a weekly rental which is not a good site.
Dropped the car off at 3:55 with 5 minutes left to spare and picked up the hotel shuttle back to the hotel.
We can see the boat from our hotel (but cant get there due to security restrictions and the like) but it looks like a monster.
Was able to get a cardio in today. Spent 1 hour on the treadmill doing intervals and then another 1/2 hour on the bike getting some leg training in. It sure felt good to sweat a little (ok, a lot in the 80+ temps) but started to feel a little bit like I should.
Added another 213 miles to the trip today on the road for a new grand total of 3103 miles.
Tomorrow you will hear from us on board the Independance of the Seas as we set sail for our first port in the Azores.
EPCOT
This past Friday was EPCOT day. What a stark contrast to DisneyWorld, although this one was full as well it just didnt seem as full as Disney.
We were able to drop in on SpaceShip Earth which is a trip through history and then a peek into the future.. This is the ride in the big golf ball that we know a EPCOT.
Also joined a mission to Mars which was one of those motion / video events very similar to the Back to the Future ride many years ago at Universal Studios in California.
We spent the day walking around the exhibits and the back lot / area which is the World Showcase which took us through Canada (where they wore dorky looking hunter jackets and hats), the UK which we are going to see in a few weeks, France (ditto a few weeks), Morocco, Japan, Italy, Germay, China and Norway.
The pedometer registered just 5000 steps but we are sure it was broken. I will update with some pictures but I know it was at least two or three miles just around the World Showcase so we probably doubled this amount.
Ate a whole lot better today, stopped at the grocery store and picked up some goods today and then only ended up buying a coffee at EPCOT.
Loved the trip to EPCOT almost as much as Disney, a very different but also a very rewarding experience.
Tomorrow Ft Lauderdale / Miami.
We were able to drop in on SpaceShip Earth which is a trip through history and then a peek into the future.. This is the ride in the big golf ball that we know a EPCOT.
Also joined a mission to Mars which was one of those motion / video events very similar to the Back to the Future ride many years ago at Universal Studios in California.
We spent the day walking around the exhibits and the back lot / area which is the World Showcase which took us through Canada (where they wore dorky looking hunter jackets and hats), the UK which we are going to see in a few weeks, France (ditto a few weeks), Morocco, Japan, Italy, Germay, China and Norway.
The pedometer registered just 5000 steps but we are sure it was broken. I will update with some pictures but I know it was at least two or three miles just around the World Showcase so we probably doubled this amount.
Ate a whole lot better today, stopped at the grocery store and picked up some goods today and then only ended up buying a coffee at EPCOT.
Loved the trip to EPCOT almost as much as Disney, a very different but also a very rewarding experience.
Tomorrow Ft Lauderdale / Miami.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Disney World
We're going to Disney World !! We made it to the land of enchantment and so did the rest of Orlando. The park was so busy that if you showed up after 12:00 noon or so you were turned away at the gate and asked to come back. Never have we seen so many people in so many places.It is too bad if you had your heart set on doing a lot of rides because most ride lines were 2 hours plus to get on. They have this fast pass program but you can only sign up for one ride every two hours or so and by the time we got to do the next one the return time (we got there about 1:00 in the afternoon) was after midnight. We were pretty sure that we would have enough of people and screaming kids well before that so we didnt get there.
We did make it to Pirates of the Carribean (still one of my favorite rides), Haunted Mansion, the railroad that goes around the park, The Enchanted Tiki Room, Big Thunder Mountain Railrod (last time we were on this one Deanna screamed her way around the whole thing), Country Bear Jamboree and the Astro Orbiter.
Did I mention how we really messed up today and didn't really plan any meals for today. We were able to stop at a grocery store and get some fruit and yoghurt and we took some fruit with us to the park but the food that is available on site is horrible and is junk that I (and Sherry) simply cannot eat at all. There was absolutely nothing that I would say began to approach anything edible, we were able to find some muffins and coffee and we did splurge later in the day with a cinammon bun but I think it was either that or pass out from lack of energy.
Did I also mention that I didnt think it was possible to drink 10+ litres of water in a single day and still not have to go to the bathroom? I now that it really is possible and I think maybe we were both a bit de-hydrated because near the end of the day the headaches started and after a bit of a sit down and a relax it mosty went away.
Temperature was in the high 20's (80's) and with the metal and people and concrete it had to be higher.
I think I also forgot to mention that intense exercise and I have been avoiding each other for the last few days but with visiting and travelling I dont know how it might have been possible. I know that it doesn't really fit into the category of cardio or other intense exercise but the pedometer registered 22,000 steps today. Each step is about 1 yard and there are 1760 yards per mile which is then 12.5 miles or about 20k.
First picture up top is the first one in the park, second is Pirates of the Carribean and the last is on the way out.
It is one heck of a facility. You park first (in part of the 125 + acres of parking lot alone), take a tram to either the Monorail or a ferryboat which takes you to the front gate and then you can finally enter. Disney World itself is much the same as the Anaheim version, but the large scale of all the parks and the hotel resorts is what really sets this one apart.
One hell of an adventure and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Tomorrow Epcot.
On the Road to Orlando
This past Wednesday was a full travel day. We made our way out of North Atlanta heading straight South to Orlando.
We were able to sneak out of Atlanta at about 09:00 in the AM and it was about 10:30 before we got out of the shadow of Atlanta (it takes about that long to go from North to South) and started heading South to Orlando.
Not a whole lot to report on this leg of the race but our drive with a lot of stops and taking our time we ended up at our hotel in Orlando at about 09:00 PM.
A little bit of fun once we arrived in Orlando as they did not have our reservation and the office was closed so we ran into another couple who were trying to check in as well and they had called 911 to get some assistance. Seemed a bit extreme but we did get a hold of a security guard to come and help. A bit like a hotel here and a bit not like a hotel here as the condo's we are staying in are time-shares and are one by one being leased I assume when they can get someone to buy in.
In any case we got settled in finally and as it was nearing 10:00 we got ourselves some takeout from Olive Garden and brought it back.
Our condo is about 1500 sq ft, two bedroom, two bath, kitchen, washer, dryer, large living room, three TV's and more. The complex has a pool, jacuzzi hot tub, tennis courts and gym all of which are available for use.
Orlando has been going through a cold spell as well as temperatures here today got up to the mid 60's after having been a bit colder for the previous two days. Forecast temps for the next couple of days are in the 80's so we are looking forward to a whole bit of sunshine.
Travel miles today were 439 miles for a new total of 2890 miles.
Tomorrow, DisneyWorld.
We were able to sneak out of Atlanta at about 09:00 in the AM and it was about 10:30 before we got out of the shadow of Atlanta (it takes about that long to go from North to South) and started heading South to Orlando.
Not a whole lot to report on this leg of the race but our drive with a lot of stops and taking our time we ended up at our hotel in Orlando at about 09:00 PM.
A little bit of fun once we arrived in Orlando as they did not have our reservation and the office was closed so we ran into another couple who were trying to check in as well and they had called 911 to get some assistance. Seemed a bit extreme but we did get a hold of a security guard to come and help. A bit like a hotel here and a bit not like a hotel here as the condo's we are staying in are time-shares and are one by one being leased I assume when they can get someone to buy in.
In any case we got settled in finally and as it was nearing 10:00 we got ourselves some takeout from Olive Garden and brought it back.
Our condo is about 1500 sq ft, two bedroom, two bath, kitchen, washer, dryer, large living room, three TV's and more. The complex has a pool, jacuzzi hot tub, tennis courts and gym all of which are available for use.
Orlando has been going through a cold spell as well as temperatures here today got up to the mid 60's after having been a bit colder for the previous two days. Forecast temps for the next couple of days are in the 80's so we are looking forward to a whole bit of sunshine.
Travel miles today were 439 miles for a new total of 2890 miles.
Tomorrow, DisneyWorld.
Playing Catch-Up Atlanta
Our trip from Nashville to Atlanta was a blast. Out of Atlanta we took the freeway East to Chatanoogo and leaving Nashville it was a cold 40 degrees outside. About 2/3 of the way to Chatanoogo we ran up and over the southern tip of the Appalachian mountain range which starts a bit further south in Georgia. At the peak of the Appalachains it was snowing and then back down on the other side of the ridge all was good again.
Once we passed through Chatanoogo it was a bit further South into Atlanta where we were to spend the next two nights visiting some close friends.
Monday night was spent just catching up and reminiscing about old times, old friends and repeating old stories.
Tuesday we went exploring in downtown Atlanta. Starting off at Olympic Plaza, past the Coke Centre, the new Aquarium, and the a bit further into downtown we headed out to the Georgia Superdome, down to underground Atlanta. Once we got all done downtown we headed out to mid town and stopped by the Margaret Michell home (you know, the one of Gone with the Wind fame).
A full day and a 1/2 tank of gas later we headed back to visit to keep up with the reminiscing and renewing old times. It has been so long since we were able to see each other in person that we had a lot to catch up with but it has been great and I and Sherry are so happy that we were able to be able to make this trip to visit.
Our travel from Nashville to Atlanta added 251 miles to our total trip log for a new grand total of 2451 miles.
Travel to Orlando tomorrow. See yall soon !
Once we passed through Chatanoogo it was a bit further South into Atlanta where we were to spend the next two nights visiting some close friends.
Monday night was spent just catching up and reminiscing about old times, old friends and repeating old stories.
Tuesday we went exploring in downtown Atlanta. Starting off at Olympic Plaza, past the Coke Centre, the new Aquarium, and the a bit further into downtown we headed out to the Georgia Superdome, down to underground Atlanta. Once we got all done downtown we headed out to mid town and stopped by the Margaret Michell home (you know, the one of Gone with the Wind fame).
A full day and a 1/2 tank of gas later we headed back to visit to keep up with the reminiscing and renewing old times. It has been so long since we were able to see each other in person that we had a lot to catch up with but it has been great and I and Sherry are so happy that we were able to be able to make this trip to visit.
Our travel from Nashville to Atlanta added 251 miles to our total trip log for a new grand total of 2451 miles.
Travel to Orlando tomorrow. See yall soon !
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Wow, what a lot of history in country music. After a really good sleep in and some breakfast it was off to the Country Music Hall of Fame. There is so much history here and tons of exhibits it was well after 4:30 PM when we finished and because it was a Sunday things just closed up after this.We did find out that the reason that there was no excitement in Nashville this weekend is that they all moved to Vegas for the Country Music Awards. That and they are all back here next weekend for Easter Weekend.
No matter, it was a lot of fun to go through the Museum and Hall of Fame.
We missed lunch before heading in so it was time for some down South BBQ (what they do down here is smoke the meat for hours, what we mostly do at home is grill). The picture is me sitting indoors but with door open at Porky's BBQ. It's tea we are drinking, not beeer by the way.
Here also is Sherry in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Some tense moments this evening as we were watching the TV real close as there were Tornado warnings and watches all around us. Don't know if there were any that touched down but the risk is over now.
Tomorrow, Atlanta
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ｃｏｕｎｔｒｙ Ｍｕｓｉｃ ａｎｄ Ｕｎ－Ｓｗｅｅｔ Ｔｅａ
Ｗｅ ｈａｖｅ ｍａｄｅ ｉｔ ｔｏ ｔｈｅ ｌａｎｄ ｏｆ ｃｏｕｎｔｒｙ ｍｕｓｉｃ ａｎｄ ｕｎｓｗｅｅｔ ｔｅａ． Ｗｅ ｓｔａｒｔｅｄ ｏｕｔ ｔｈｉｓ ＡＭ ｗｉｔｈ ｏｕｒ ｄｅｐａｒｔｕｒｅ ｆｒｏｍ ｔｈｅ ｈｏｕｓｅ ａｔ ４：３０ ＡＭ ｗｉｔｈ ｏｕｒ ｒｉｄｅ ｔｏ ｔｈｅ ａｉｒｐｏｒｔ． Ｗｅ ａｒｒｉｖｅｄ ａｎｄ ｏｕｒ ｄａｙ ｓｔａｒｔｅｄ ｏｆｆ ｇｏｏｄ ｗｉｔｈ ＵＳＡｉｒｗａｙｓ， Ｕｎｉｔｅｄ ａｎｄ ｏｔｈｅｒｓ ｅｘｔｒｅｍｅｌｙ ｂｕｓｙ ｂｕｔ ｎｏｂｏｄｙ ａｔ ａｌｌ ａｔ Ａｍｅｒｉｃａｎ． Ｗｅ ｈｉｔ ｔｈｏｓｅ ｓｅｌｆ ｃｈｅｃｋ ｉｎ ｃｏｕｎｔｅｒｓ （ｗｏｗ， ｅｖｅｒｙｗｈｅｒｅ ｙｏｕ ｇｏ ｎｏｗ ｙｏｕ ｈａｖｅ ｔｏ ｄｏ ａｌｌ ｔｈｅ ｗｏｒｋ ｙｏｕｒｓｅｌｆ，ｓｏ ｊｕｓｔ ｗｈａｔ ｉｓ ｉｔ ｔｈａｔ ｙｏｕ ａｒｅ ｐａｙｉｎｇ ｆｏｒ？）， ｐａｉｄ ｏｕｒ ＄１５ ｅａｃｈ ｔｏ ｃａｒｒｙ ｐｕｔ ｏｕｒ ｂａｇｓ ｏｎ ｔｈｅ ｐｌａｎｅ （ｄｏｎ’ｔ ｇｅｔ ｍｅ ｓｔａｒｔｅｄ ｏｎ ｔｈａｔ ｒａｎｔ） ａｎｄ ｈｅａｄ ｔｈｒｏｕｇｈ ｃｕｓｔｏｍｓ ａｎｄ ｉｍｍｉｇｒａｔｉｏｎ．
Ｎｏ ｐｒｏｂｌｅｍｓ ｈｅｒｅ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅｎ ｏｆｆ ｔｏ ｓｉｔ ａｎｄ ｗａｉｔ ｆｏｒ ｔｈｅ ｆｌｉｇｈｔ．
Ｈｅａｄｅｄ ｏｆｆ ｔｏ ｔｈｅ ｌａｎｄ ｏｆ ｂｉｇｇｅｒ ａｎｄ ｂｅｔｔｅｒ （Ｔｅｘａｓ ｔｈａｔ ｉｓ） ａｎｄ ａｆｔｅｒ ａ ｑｕｉｃｋ ｌａｙｏｖｅｒ ｉｎ ＤＦＷ （Ｄａｌｌａｓ－Ｆｔ Ｗｏｒｔｈ） ｗｅ ｈｅａｄ ｏｆｆ ｔｏ Ｎａｓｈｖｉｌｌｅ．
Ｈｏｔｅｌ ｉｓ ｆｉｎｅ， ｃｌｏｓｅ ｔｏ ｔｈｅ ａｉｒｐｏｒｔ ａｎｄ ｗｅ ａｒｅ ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｉｎｇ ｉｎ ｓｔｙｌｅ ｔｈｉｓ ｗｅｅｋ ｗｉｔｈ ｏｕｒ ｒｅｎｔａｌ ｃａｒ ｔｈａｔ ｉｓ ｓｔａｙｉｎｇ ｗｉｔｈ ｕｓ ａｌｌ ｔｈｅ ｗａｙ ｔｏ Ｆｔ． Ｌａｕｄｅｒｄａｌｅ ｉｓ ａ Ｃｈｒｙｓｌｅｒ Ｓｅｂｒｉｎｇ ａｌｌ ｑｕｉｅｔ ａｎｄ ｌｕｘｕｒｉｏｕｓ．
Ｎｏ ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅｓ ｔｏｄａｙ， ｔｒｕｓｔ ｍｅ ｔｈｅ ｖｉｅｗ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｔｗｏ ｏｆ ｕｓ ａｔ ４：３０ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ＡＭ ｗｏｕｌｄ ｎｏｔ ｂｅ ａ ｐｒｅｔｔｙ ｓｉｔｅ．
Ｏｕｒ ｔｒａｖｅｌ ｍｉｌｅｓ ｔｏｄａｙ ａｒｅ １５８３ ｆｒｏｍ Ｃａｌｇａｒｙ ｔｏ Ｄａｌｌａｓ ａｎｄ ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ ６１７ ｆｒｏｍ Ｄａｌｌａｓ ｔｏ Ｎａｓｈｖｉｌｌｅ． Ｔｈｉｓ ｇｉｖｅｓ ｕｓ ａ ｒｕｎｎｉｎｇ ｔｏｔａｌ ｆｏｒ ｏｕｒ ｆｉｒｓｔ ｄａｙ ｏｕｔ ｏｆ ２２００ ｍｉｌｅｓ ｅｖｅｎ．
Ｔｏｍｏｒｒｏｗ ｗｅ ｈｉｔ ｔｈｅ Ｇｒａｎｄ Ｏｌｅ Ｏｐｒｙ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ Ｏｐｒｙｌａｎｄ ｍｕｓｅｕｍ ａｎｄ ｓｏｍｅ ｓｈｏｐｐｉｎｇ ｔｏ ｐｉｃｋ ｕｐ ａ ｃｏｏｌｅｒ ｔｏ ｔｒａｖｅｌ ｗｉｔｈ ａｎｄ ａ ｎｅｗ ｃｅｌｌ ｐｈｏｎｅ ｓｏ ｔｈａｔ Ｉ ｄｏｎｔ ｈａｖｅ ｔｏ ｐａｙ ｔｈｅ ｏｕｔｒａｇｅｏｕｓ ｒｏａｍｉｎｇ ｃｈａｒｇｅｓ ｔｈａｔ Ｂｅｌｌ ｗａｎｔｓ ｔｏ ｃｈａｒｇｅ ｍｅ．
Ｓｅｅ ｙｏｕ ａｌｌ ｔｏｍｏｒｒｏｗ．
Ｎｏ ｐｒｏｂｌｅｍｓ ｈｅｒｅ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅｎ ｏｆｆ ｔｏ ｓｉｔ ａｎｄ ｗａｉｔ ｆｏｒ ｔｈｅ ｆｌｉｇｈｔ．
Ｈｅａｄｅｄ ｏｆｆ ｔｏ ｔｈｅ ｌａｎｄ ｏｆ ｂｉｇｇｅｒ ａｎｄ ｂｅｔｔｅｒ （Ｔｅｘａｓ ｔｈａｔ ｉｓ） ａｎｄ ａｆｔｅｒ ａ ｑｕｉｃｋ ｌａｙｏｖｅｒ ｉｎ ＤＦＷ （Ｄａｌｌａｓ－Ｆｔ Ｗｏｒｔｈ） ｗｅ ｈｅａｄ ｏｆｆ ｔｏ Ｎａｓｈｖｉｌｌｅ．
Ｈｏｔｅｌ ｉｓ ｆｉｎｅ， ｃｌｏｓｅ ｔｏ ｔｈｅ ａｉｒｐｏｒｔ ａｎｄ ｗｅ ａｒｅ ｔｒａｖｅｌｌｉｎｇ ｉｎ ｓｔｙｌｅ ｔｈｉｓ ｗｅｅｋ ｗｉｔｈ ｏｕｒ ｒｅｎｔａｌ ｃａｒ ｔｈａｔ ｉｓ ｓｔａｙｉｎｇ ｗｉｔｈ ｕｓ ａｌｌ ｔｈｅ ｗａｙ ｔｏ Ｆｔ． Ｌａｕｄｅｒｄａｌｅ ｉｓ ａ Ｃｈｒｙｓｌｅｒ Ｓｅｂｒｉｎｇ ａｌｌ ｑｕｉｅｔ ａｎｄ ｌｕｘｕｒｉｏｕｓ．
Ｎｏ ｐｉｃｔｕｒｅｓ ｔｏｄａｙ， ｔｒｕｓｔ ｍｅ ｔｈｅ ｖｉｅｗ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｔｗｏ ｏｆ ｕｓ ａｔ ４：３０ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ＡＭ ｗｏｕｌｄ ｎｏｔ ｂｅ ａ ｐｒｅｔｔｙ ｓｉｔｅ．
Ｏｕｒ ｔｒａｖｅｌ ｍｉｌｅｓ ｔｏｄａｙ ａｒｅ １５８３ ｆｒｏｍ Ｃａｌｇａｒｙ ｔｏ Ｄａｌｌａｓ ａｎｄ ａｎｏｔｈｅｒ ６１７ ｆｒｏｍ Ｄａｌｌａｓ ｔｏ Ｎａｓｈｖｉｌｌｅ． Ｔｈｉｓ ｇｉｖｅｓ ｕｓ ａ ｒｕｎｎｉｎｇ ｔｏｔａｌ ｆｏｒ ｏｕｒ ｆｉｒｓｔ ｄａｙ ｏｕｔ ｏｆ ２２００ ｍｉｌｅｓ ｅｖｅｎ．
Ｔｏｍｏｒｒｏｗ ｗｅ ｈｉｔ ｔｈｅ Ｇｒａｎｄ Ｏｌｅ Ｏｐｒｙ ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ Ｏｐｒｙｌａｎｄ ｍｕｓｅｕｍ ａｎｄ ｓｏｍｅ ｓｈｏｐｐｉｎｇ ｔｏ ｐｉｃｋ ｕｐ ａ ｃｏｏｌｅｒ ｔｏ ｔｒａｖｅｌ ｗｉｔｈ ａｎｄ ａ ｎｅｗ ｃｅｌｌ ｐｈｏｎｅ ｓｏ ｔｈａｔ Ｉ ｄｏｎｔ ｈａｖｅ ｔｏ ｐａｙ ｔｈｅ ｏｕｔｒａｇｅｏｕｓ ｒｏａｍｉｎｇ ｃｈａｒｇｅｓ ｔｈａｔ Ｂｅｌｌ ｗａｎｔｓ ｔｏ ｃｈａｒｇｅ ｍｅ．
Ｓｅｅ ｙｏｕ ａｌｌ ｔｏｍｏｒｒｏｗ．
Friday, April 3, 2009
Ok. We are finally here. It is 10:30 and I just got packed to go. Still have another couple of hours of work to go and we hit the road at 04:30 tomorrow morning to get our butts to the airport.
Tomorrow is the first stop in our 32 day odyssey as we run to Nashville via Dallas.
Much more to say tomorrow. See you soon !!
Monday, March 9, 2009
This past Sunday was the first of three consecutive Sundays that a group of us lead by Grizz (Chad) are climbing at the Crux. First day we went through all the safety stuff (good thing to as it is a ways up once you start climbing) and after about an hour or so we were good to go in partners (always good to have someone hanging on to you while you climb). As my Grand-daughter would say "That was so awesome !"
I think we all got in two or three good climbs before our time was up for the day. Fingertips are real sore right now.
I have been so impressed with the TRX suspension training system that Chad got a few weeks ago and with 3 (or 4) sessions under my belt now I have decided to go out and get my own. Stopped by Fitter First just off blackfoot on Sunday but they were closed and then took a look at their web site and they have the TRX professional available for $149.00.
So today on my way home I stopped by and picked up a set. This is going to be great on the upcoming trip.
I think I will hang TRX from the Eiffel tower in Paris and get a workout in. Do you think they will be impressed with this crazy canuck??
Need to make some decisions this week about some upcoming Tri's just as soon as I figure out the tax situation. Was supposed to finish taxes last week but Sunday was really a write off. The coral springs one looks OK just really not sure about the lake swim.
till next time.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Trials of TRX - TRI Update
Good News and Bad News on the TRI front. The Vulcan Tinman Triathlon is off for now. Turns out that this is the same day that we get to celebrate the Jens graduation from nursing. Chad and I are looking for a few alternatives that will work so maybe some news before too long. I did hear from a little bird that Chad's solution was to get an early start time in the Tinman and then run back to Calgary for the graduation. Really no reason that I couldn't do both !!
The last couple of workouts have been fun. Chad received his new TRX suspension trainer in the mail on Monday so workouts this past Tuesday and Friday have been using this new toy.
Every single exercise that you do or dream up works the hell out of your core. Abs have been sore since the first day. What a great work out tool !! If you can, try it out.
Sherry and I have also signed up for some more rock climbing. Need to get in shape for the cruise and the rock wall that they have on the boat. Starting on the 8th of March we get to go climb for three consecutive Sundays and then we will be good to go on the cruise.
ONLY 35 DAYS TO GO UNTIL WE LEAVE !!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Oh My God
First, Chad I think I have fixed the comments section so go ahead and comment away.
Ok, so today was my first day in the pool (time to start getting ready for that upcoming Triathlon in Vulcan). I thought today it would be ambitious to try and do a total of 500m which is the swim distance but like most good things it was not to happen.
So I sneak into the Renfew pool this AM (not really, Sherry was working so I was able to tag along) and I find out that Devon hosts a conditioning swim session each morning at 08:30.
I figured OK, Chad has me all muscled up in the shoulders and arms and my cardo is OK so I decided to swim a bit (two times 100m) and then hung out in the hot tub until 08:30 to see what this was all about. Must admit I was not so sure this was a good idea as I was already complaining.
Devon pops out with his board for the day and he has planned at 2000m swim set along with a 15 minute timed event for whatever that totaled out to be. I figured, no way is this happening to so I decided to do 1/2 the planned amount.
So here it is:
2 x 100m freestyle warm up
4 x 25m IM legs only (25m each dolphin kick, back kick, breast stroke kick, front crawl kick)
4 x 50m front crawl (first 50 heads up, second 50 breathing normally, third 50 breathing only every 3 strokes, last 50 breathing every 5 strokes)
15 minute timed swim (I managed 22 length for a total of 550m)
nearing the finish for me at least
3 x 100m mixed something or other (don' t know what to call it)
50m legs only
50m swim
20 deck push ups
When I did the math this worked out to a total distance of 1550m. Not so sure this was smart after my workout with Chad yesterday where we continued our insane work out of standing lunges alternated with preacher curls, followed by jump squats and skull crushers and then straight leg pulls and bicep curls and to round it all out close grip push ups on a medicine ball.
Feels really good to get a work out like this but to be honest Sherry may have to spoon feed me for the rest of the weekend, I don't think I have the strength to lift my arms up.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Ok. So tuning up the blog a bit. I have added comments (Chad don't forget you have to put a comment now) and have added a couple of YouTube videos of the Freedom class ships and the Independence of the Seas (our boat).
As of today we are 63 days until we leave Calgary for our first stop in Nashville, TN to visit the Grand Ole Opry.
The intensity of the work outs is ramping up now, I guess thought it was getting too easy or something. Not sure that I am a big fan of jump squats with a 70 lb bar but it sure does get a work out in the quads (which are really hurting today, thanks Chad).
Finishing up the bookings for the hotel this weekend and then we should be good to go.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
My Initial Post
This one is just to find out how this whole process works and what is in store for me moving forward.
Many things interest me right now. Work is a challenging experience as i move forward in a number of new areas in the development of Your Calgary IT Source. The addition of a home / consumer version of our popular ITBack backup product and an expansion into Business Continuity Planning consulting. As a new associate member of the Business Continuity Institute I am looking forward to moving forward in this exciting new area.
On a personal level I have been working at getting healthier and leaner. To date I have lost nearly 70 lbs, over 20", and 7% body fat. The next big event is competing (really a fun event) at the Vulcan TinMan Triathlon on the 6th of June 2009. Who would have thought I would be doing my first triathlon in my 50th year (quite the birthday present). The race is a 500 meter swim (20 lengths of a standard pool), followed by a 15 km bike ride and lastly a 5 km run.
Sherry and I are getting extremely excited about our upcoming trip in April 2009. We are flying from Calgary to Nashville to hit the Grand Ole Opry, driving to Atlanta to visit a very good friend, another drive to Orlando to hit Disney World and lastly a quick trip to Ft. Lauderdale to hop on our cruise. We are travelling on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas. What a ship.
Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/independence_of_the_seas
This one is 160,000 tons, 1112 feet long, 184 feet wide and cruises at 21.6 knots (or 43 km/hour). It holds 3600 passengers, over 1400 crew and is a monster. On board we have a gym with a full size boxing ring, flow rider, rock-climbing, ice-skating, sports pool, full size basketball court, a second full size tennis court, 9-hole miniature golf etc. etc.
We will NEVER get bored on this one.
Oh yah, the trip is 13 nights with stops in the Azores, Portugal, and Spain and then we disembark at Southampton in the UK.
Still not done, we are heading straight to Paris for 5 days, back to London for a few more, off to Coventry to visit a cousin and then sadly back home from London to Toronto and back to Calgary.
All in all, we will be gone 32 days. Cant wait.
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